I FEAR that those who are so upset about the listing of the Piano Building do their town a disservice, and that in the long run they will probably be rather glad of its preservation.

Yes, it may currently appear rather grotty, but once restored and put to new use (along with the handsome Slingfield Mill), the town will be proud of it.

The Piano Building is important in terms of its appearance, construction and role in the development of the Brintons carpet works in the second half of the 19th century - all factors which the experts of English Heritage and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will have taken into full consideration.

An alternative location will doubtless be found for a cinema, which will not result in the demolition of a fine historic mill building.

When we advocated the listing of the building we did not do so with the intention of preserving it in aspic - rather it was to stop the plundering of Kidderminster's fine heritage, and to at least help start a healthy debate about the future of such mill buildings in the town.

We are sure that Kidderminster has the courage and imagination to make the most of the opportunities offered by this building and others that have fallen on hard times.

ADAM WILKINSON

Secretary

Save Britain's Heritage

Cowcross Street, London